Official Disney

Start Your Day with Donald Duck in “Wake Up with Disney” App

10 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney fans can now wake up and start every beautiful morning with their favorite furious fowl Donald Duck using Wake Up with Disney. People can turn an alarm clock into an interactive activity with 3D Disney characters, starring the popular Donald Duck at launch with more characters to come.

Fans can customize and choose additional costumes with backgrounds for Donald like Safari and Fire Chief. Donald Duck talks, laughs, and interacts with fans along with waking them up.

Wake Up with Disney featuring Donald Duck has other capabilities as well, including a 5-Day weather forecast, flashlight, and nightlight, all in one app.

Visit the App Store to download Wake Up With Disney is available to download for $.99 for iOS devices on the App Store: http://bit.ly/14gjcsr.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5DZeRW4v1Q]

NEW Teaser Poster for Captain America: The Winter Soldier

10 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Captain America was one of my favorite Avengers series films, I just love the 40’s era and the storyline as well. The sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is well under way, and the teaser poster has now been released:

Captain America 2 Concept Art — Concept art from Captain America: The Winter Soldier

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER releases in theaters on April 4, 2014!

Like CAPTAIN AMERICA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaptainAmericaMovie

Follow CAPTAIN AMERICA on Twitter: @CaptainAmerica | https://twitter.com/CaptainAmerica

Club Penguin’s ‘Monsters University’ Takeover!

3 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This past weekend Disney•Pixar’s latest movie, Monsters University, roared into theaters. To celebrate the film’s release, Disney’s Club Penguin, the #1 virtual world for kids, is partnering for the first time ever with Disney•Pixar to throw the Disney•Pixar “Monsters University” Takeover event! From June 27-July 9 millions of penguin players can enroll in Monsters University on Club Penguin Island and pledge three different rival fraternities and one sorority to competein the Scare Games.

During the Disney•Pixar “Monsters University” Takeover event members will be able to dress up as their favorite characters from “Monsters University,” like Mike and Sulley. In their monstrous disguises, members can test out their roar and creep around campus to earn their own scare points. The new terror-ific event will also feature an all-new mini-game where players can practice their best scare tactics

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku18tt29kD0]

Disney’s Club Penguin, the #1 virtual world for kids, is partnering for the first time with Disney•Pixar to throw the Disney•Pixar “Monsters University” Takeover event. Starting today players can enroll in Monsters University on Club Penguin Island and pledge three different rival fraternities and one sorority to compete in the Scare Games.

While competing in the Scare Games by earning scare points for their fraternity or sorority, members will be able to dress up as their favorite characters from the Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University,” like Mike and Sulley. In their monstrous disguises, members can test out their roar and creep around campus to earn their own scare points. On July 6, the winning fraternity or sorority will be announced, and all players can collect the Scare Games Trophy. Additionally, the Monsters University amphitheater will be decorated in the winning team’s colors.

During the Disney•Pixar “Monsters University” Takeover event on Club Penguin Island:

· Everyone can fill up their scare canister with scare points in an all-new mini-game where players practice their best scare tactics

· All players can collect fraternity and sorority hats to show their pride when they join a team and can also earn monster accessories for their epic roars. Members will receive the hats and accessories, plus the ability to purchase exclusive “Monsters University” costumes with their virtual coins

· New igloo items are available for members to buy in the Furniture Catalog. Some featured items include the Scoreboard, Scare Canister, Ping-Pong Table, Lounge Chair, Archway and more

Players can scare now at ClubPenguin.com.

2013 D23 Expo Guests to See Special 3D Screening of Disney Planes

1 July 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

D23 has just announced that Expo guests will be among the first to see Disney’s Planes on its opening day, with Special Appearances from Select Filmmakers and Stars. Just another fun perk to attending the 2013 D23 Expo! Official release below.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club reveals plans for a special 3D screening of the high-flying big-screen adventure Disney’s Planes at the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

D23 Expo attendees will be among the first to see Disney’s Planes on its opening day. An action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure from Disneytoon Studios, Disney’s Planes will take flight in theaters nationwide August 9, but D23 Expo guests will see this special 3D presentation featuring an introduction by some very special guests. Dusty Crophopper dreams of competing as a high-flying racer, but he’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps him train to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar.

Directed by lifelong aviation enthusiast Klay Hall (King of the Hill, The Simpsons), and produced by Traci Balthazor-Flynn, Disney’s Planes features the voices of Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Priyanka Chopra, John Cleese, Cedric the Entertainer, Carlos Alazraqui, Roger Craig Smith, Anthony Edwards, Val Kilmer, Sinbad, Gabriel Iglesias, Brent Musburger, Colin Cowherd, Danny Mann, Oliver Kalkofe, and John Ratzenberger.

The screening is slated for Friday, August 9, 2013, at 3 p.m. at the Arena inside the Anaheim Convention Center. For more information about the movie, check out Disney.com/Planes, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.

D23 Expo to Honor 60 Years of Disney Imagineering

28 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The main reason I joined Disney’s D23 back when it was first announced, is a promised peek into Disney history and just what made this company we all know and love, so great. I may have missed the first Destination D and Expo out in California, but I have attended each subsequent Destination D and 2011’s Expo. The things I learned, the history shared, the stories, the images, cannot be compared, and really, cannot have a price put on them. I, as a fan, am so grateful for the things the Walt Disney Archives and D23 have done, to share and nurture the legacy that is the Walt Disney Company.

So it was with great excitement that I read the news below, revealing an Imagineering “Open House” to give attendees a glimpse behind the creative process of Imagineering. In addition, several panels with Imagineers, discussing various projects and company history. The only downside will be deciding which panels to attend! Read below for the full press release from D23 – and I hope to see you at the Expo!

Disney Takes Fans Behind the Magic with an Unprecedented Look at the Imagineering “Dream Factory”

BURBANK, Calif. – June 28, 2013 – In honor of the 60th anniversary of Walt Disney Imagineering and the origins of Disney Parks and Resorts, Imagineering is hosting an “open house” at the D23 Expo, August 9-11, opening the doors of its unique facilities and offering an unprecedented look at its creative processes—all on the floor of the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition, Imagineers past and present will host an entire day of panel discussions on Sunday, August 11, celebrating their 60 magical years of “dreaming and doing.”

Within the “open house” pavilion, D23 Expo guests will get an up close look at an eclectic array of Imagineering’s creative minds—ride engineers, model builders, pre-visualization artists, special effects designers, inventors, and show animators—as they share the skills and talents behind Imagineering’s creative process. In addition, guests will have the chance to glimpse at the “workspaces” of several project teams from around Disney’s global portfolio of parks and resorts, perhaps spotting a few clues into coming attractions along the way.

For the first time at the D23 Expo, Walt Disney Imagineering will be showcasing some of its most historical and revered concept art from its Art Library, including Herb Ryman’s original drawing of Disneyland. Also in the Disney Parks pavilion, D23 Expo guests will again have the chance to explore Mickey’s of Glendale, an outlet of Walt Disney Imagineering’s employee-only store, to shop for unique souvenirs and collectibles and Walt Disney Imagineering merchandise not available anywhere else.

In addition to the Imagineering Open House, D23 Expo attendees will be able to attend 12 unique presentations and panel discussions that will take fans on the incredible journey behind the latest Disney resorts, attractions, and entertainment including:

· The Art and Artistry of Aulani – Imagineers Joe Rohde and Jeanette Lomboy will share the authentic tapestry of art and stories found at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.

· Mayhem, Mischief, and Monkeys: The Magic of Mystic Manor – Join Imagineers Joe Lanzisero and others for the strange stories behind Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor, the newest and one of the most sophisticated attractions ever built.

· Undiscovered Disneyland – Legendary Imagineer Tony Baxter shares rare and never-before-seen footage of the early days ofDisneyland, from design and construction through opening day.

· Broadcasts from Buena Vista Street – Enjoy the latest ‘soundtrack’ from Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street, featuring a live performance of Scary Symphony from radio station KBVS and a panel discussion led by Imagineers.

· Disney Ambassadors – Join current Disney Parks Ambassadors from around the world as they discuss this renowned program and share insights about its rich heritage, current outreach efforts, and the importance of sharing Disney goodwill.

· Voices of the Disney Parks – Back by popular demand, this panel of famous Disney voices will gather for an encore panel discussion, including recreations of some unforgettable Disney Parks sayings.

· Charles Phoenix Presents – Noted humorist and self-proclaimed “retro daddy” Charles Phoenix shares some of his favorite images from around Disney, featuring classic kitsch, clashing colors schemes, and hairdos that truly defy gravity.

The panels continue on Sunday August 11, with a full day dedicated to the celebration of Walt Disney Imagineering’s 60th anniversary. The presentations in the 2,000-seat Stage 23 with current and former Imagineers will explore a wide range of topics, from working with Walt Disney himself and the exploration of creativity, innovation, and humor in the parks, to a lively discussion of what it’s like to lead one of the world’s most creative organizations. More details on these exciting panels and presenters will be revealed soon. D23 Expo tickets are available now.

Disney Infinity News, Screenshots, Videos and More!

27 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Recently, Disney Interactive released the second video in its behind-the-scenes “Creating Infinity” series. The new video focuses on the inspiration behind Disney Infinity’s “Toy Box” mode, and includes interviews with Pixar and Avalanche Software creative visionaries, as well as commentary from renowned Disney storytellers. In the interviews, leaders such as John Lasseter and John Blackburn discuss how creative play shaped their lives and inspired Disney Infinity.

When Disney Infinity hits store shelves in August, the game will usher in a new era in creative play by introducing a virtual Toy Box that allows players to combine Disney and Pixar’s most popular characters, worlds, gadgets, vehicles and locations to create one-of-a-kind Disney themed action and adventure games, sports and racing competitions, team-based and head-to-head challenges, and much more!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIuyzFfC-2U&w=560&h=315]

Who would win in a racing competition? Dash or Lightning McQueen? Mrs. Incredible or Mike Wazowski? Buzz Lightyear, Dash or Davy Jones… while riding on Stitch’s surfboard?

In the Toy Box mode, players can pit these characters and more in head to head races on custom built tracks. They can build their own race tracks using pieces unlocked while playing in the Toy Box mode, in addition to other items brought over from the Monsters University, Incredibles, Pirates of the Caribbean and Cars play sets.

The game also includes many “play sets” from popular Disney films. Within the Pirates of the Caribbean play set, gamers can take on the role of Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and Davy Jones as they set sail to new lands in search of adventure and gold. Key highlights include:

Combat and Customization: Players will be able to explore new lands while battling via water and land to become the king of the sea. Additionally, players can customize their ship, by choosing everything from the overall décor of the vessel to the cannons on board.

Play Set: The Pirates of the Caribbean play set adds its own specialized game play mechanics and pieces to the Disney Infinity world such as unique weaponry that when activated in Toy Box mode allows players to create all-new combat challenges, build and customize worlds and much more.

Toy Box mode: The pirate trio of Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa and Davy Jones are able to interact with all of the previously revealed Disney Infinity characters from The Incredibles, Monsters University and Cars to create new and exciting adventures on the high seas and beyond.

Within the Lone Ranger play set, players can take on the role of the Lone Ranger or Tonto as they set out to bring Butch Cavendish and his gang of outlaws to justice. Key gameplay highlights include:

Ricochet Combat: The outlaws in the play set are clever and will seek to hide behind cover or ambush the player whenever they can. Fortunately, a unique ricochet mechanic allows both Lone Ranger and Tonto to hit the bad guys indirectly and around corners by lining up shots that bounce off of pots, pans, bells, posts, or other metal objects.

Mounts: Players will find traversing the Wild West and the areas surrounding the town of Colby to be much quicker on the Lone Ranger and Tonto’s iconic steeds of Silver and Scout or any one of the other many horses that can be found throughout the play set.
Train Defense and Customization: He who controls the railroad, controls the West. In the Lone Ranger play set, players can build and customize their own train, complete from the trim on the wheels, to the painting on the cars. A key part of the gameplay revolves around building up the train and getting the right resources to the right locations.
Toy Box: In addition to these game mechanics, the Lone Ranger play set also allows players to bring in all the buildings, mounts, weapons and other surprises into the Toy Box so that players can include their own wild west gameplay into their imaginative scenarios.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esurOhntXYk&w=560&h=315]

Within the Monsters University play set, gamers can take on the role of Mike, Sulley or Randy to prank their major rivals at Fear Tech. Avalanche Software worked closely with Pixar to develop the look of Fear Tech’s campus, which makes its debut in the play set. The two universities must compete to see who has the most school spirit during the annual Fear-It Week. Key highlights include:

Pranks, Humor and Customization: Players can utilize scare tactics to prank opponents and perfect the art of sneak attacks. They can also customize their own Frat Row buildings with a collection of colors, designs and decorations found throughout the play set. Students in the world come in all shapes and sizes and can be customized with wings, fangs, spikes, tails and other accessories. Bikes can be unlocked to perform stunts, tricks and other speedy maneuvers.

Play Set: The Monsters University play set adds its own specialized game play mechanics and pieces to the Disney Infinity world, including unique gadgets such as the toilet paper launcher, paintball launcher, foam hand and the ability to ride on Archie the Scare Pig. These can also be activated in Toy Box mode which will allow players to create all-new prank challenges, build and customize worlds and much more.

Toy Box mode: The trio of Mike, Sulley and Randy are able to interact with all of the previously revealed Disney Infinity characters from The Incredibles, Pirates of the Caribbean and Cars to create new and exciting adventures in customized worlds.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mJLKm502PI&w=560&h=315]

Disney Interactive Delivers “Best of Disney” to Fans’ Homes with New App for Xbox 360

27 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Recently Disney Interactive launched the new Disney app for Xbox 360, delivering new and original digital video to homes in the U.S. Featuring original web series, classic animated shorts, clips from Disney shows and the latest Disney movie trailers, the new app lets users access the best Disney content from across the web. The Disney app for Xbox 360 furthers Disney Interactive’s goal to bring quality Disney videos and experiences across all platforms and devices.

With Disney on Xbox 360, fans can look forward to:
· Episodes of the popular web series, Disney Where’s My Water? Presents Swampy’s Underground Adventures

· Classic shorts starring Mickey Mouse and friends

· Music videos, clips and trailers from Disney Channel, Disney XD and The Walt Disney Studios

· Future series and programming from Disney Interactive’s upcoming slate of original video

Disney for Xbox 360 is now available in the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Disney’s FROZEN, the “Coolest” New Movie Yet!

27 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Disney does it again, creating an epic comedy adventure with daring, enigmatic characters involved in suspenseful plots. Get ready for Disney’s new movie, “Frozen” in theaters on November 3, 2013!

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” is in theaters in 3D on November 3, 2013.

Kristen Bell has starred in a variety of films, including the comedies “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Couples Retreat,” and the upcoming films “Hit & Run,” “Some Girls” and the Farrelly Brothers’ “Movie 43.” On the small screen, Bell is currently starring in the Showtime series “House of Lies” alongside Don Cheadle; she has also starred in “Heroes” and “Veronica Mars.” Broadway credits include “The Crucible” and “Tom Sawyer.”

Jonathan Groff appears in “C.O.G.,” which is part of the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Film credits include “Taking Woodstock,” “Twelve Thirty” and “The Conspirator.” TV credits include Fox’s “Glee,” the Starz series “Boss” and CBS’ “The Good Wife.” Groff received a Tony® nomination for his performance in the Tony Award®-winning musical “Spring Awakening,” and appeared in the Public Theater’s revival of “Hair” and off-Broadway plays “Prayer for My Enemy” and “The Submission,” among others. He made his West End debut in Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” and appeared in the 2010 Tony Award®-winning “Red” by John Logan at the Mark Taper Forum.

Robert Lopez is a three-time Tony Award®-winning writer of the Tony and Grammy® Award-winning musical “The Book of Mormon,” which was co-written with Trey Parker and Matt Stone (“South Park”), and the musical “Avenue Q,” which ran for six years on Broadway and four years in London’s West End. Lopez teamed with wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez, whose Drama Desk-winning show “In Transit” is Broadway-bound, to write original songs for 2011’s “Winnie the Pooh,” a stage version of “Finding Nemo” and a new musical called “Up Here.”

Enjoy a sneak peak right here:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1x76DoACB8]

For more information, check out Disney.com/Frozen

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen

Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation

Visit the official website: http://www.disney.com/frozen

D23 Expo 2013 Costume Contest and More Expo Info

25 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

When I came out to California for 2011’s D23 Expo, seeing fellow attendees in costume was one of the best parts! I love that D23 is now holding an official costume contest celebrating fans creativity! Here are all the details:

Since the first D23 Expo in 2009, fans have shown their passion for Disney by dressing up as their favorite and most beloved Disney characters while attending the one-of-a-kind event at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates that excitement and enthusiasm with the first À La Mode Costume Contest, which will take place Friday, August 9 at 2:30 p.m. in Stage 23.

À La Mode, named after The Incredibles’ couture genius Edna Mode, is the first competition of its kind to showcase fans’ creativity through costumes inspired by all things Disney, including Motion Pictures (Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm); Parks & Resorts; Consumer Products; Media Networks (including Disney Channel, ABC, and ESPN); and Interactive.

Five collectible trophies—specially designed for the À La Mode Costume Contest—will be awarded to the most magical costumes in the following categories: Original Design (or inspired by…), Re-creation, Craftsmanship, Young Fan, and Best in Show.

The contest will be two (2) hours in length, and, therefore, the number of entrants is limited. Guests interested in participating MUST complete an entry from, available now at D23Expo.com. Closing date for entry is July 21. Not all applications for entry will be accepted. Applications will be evaluated on the merits of quality and quantity and selected at the producers’ discretion.

In Addition, D23 recently announced the Disney Channel stars that will be present during the 2013 Expo:

On FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, in celebration of “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel,” a special-one hour telecast featuring an epic teaming of characters from two hugely popular Disney and Marvel franchises, fans can meet the stars and characters including Phineas, Ferb, Agent P, Spider-Man and Iron Man. The unforgettable special premieres this summer on Disney Channel.
On SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, bikers and surfers unite on the dance floor of the Disney Channel booth for the ultimate beach ball bouncing, high-spirited ‘Surf Crazy’ fan dance with stars from Disney’s “Teen Beach Movie,” an exuberant song, sand and surf fest, premiering July 19 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
On SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 in the Disney Channel booth, Disney Junior fans of all ages are invited to meet beloved characters from top-rated preschool series “Sofia the First,” “Doc McStuffins” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” and enjoy a special sneak-peek screening of new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts in Stage 28.

Popular radio personalities from Radio Disney, the 24-hour contemporary hits radio network and the only radio broadcaster for kids and families, will join in the fun every day, along with the Radio Disney Road Crew, for interactive entertainment, fun prizes and the hottest music from kids’ favorite artists.

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

About D23 Expo 2013

The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, and theme parks. For the latest D23 Expo 2013 news, visit D23Expo.com. To be part of the D23 Expo conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 and tag your tweets with #D23Expo.

Disney’s PLANES Trailer and New Character Posters!

22 June 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Dusty captured my heart, and he’ll capture yours too, in this adorable movie by Disney!

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013.